6 mon old - adjusting the routine to fit with outings

[kyles_mum]

Hello mommies,

My son, Kyle turns 6 months in about a wk.  We have been on the EASY routine since 3 months.  On average, we can successfully get by on 2 naps during the day (1hr 20min-1hr 30min each).  If we start the day early and there is a class we need to attend, I have added on a catnap of 20-30min a few hrs prior to bedtime. 

I am struggling with fitting in outings on the weekends (when things are a bit off course with running around as a family or visiting friends) and adjusting the EASY routine.  Kyle took a 20 min nap while in the car for his second nap today and when we arrived home, it was a bit tricky to figure out when he would be ready for a sleep. 

Our day looked like this...

0630 awake and E
0920 S - unable to make it to a 2 hr Activity
1040 awake and E
1200 - on the road
1220 S - asleep in the car for 20 min
1435 - put down following wind down routine
1445 - fussy, realized it was time for his regular feed
1500 - attempt to put down again
1510 - turned on the mobile after 10 min of fussing
1520 - asleep

From what the times indicate, it looks like Kyle tolerated being awake for 2hrs 40min following a 20 min nap.  Do I just assume a regular activity time (2.5-3hrs) following a short nap if he does not appear to be cranky?

Would it also be fair to say that if he has not napped by 3:00, we should just bring forward the bedtime? 

I realize the EASY format is a guideline but if I stray from it, I find myself lost!  I am hoping to reach the status of rolling with the punches soon! 

Thanks for taking the time to show me the way  

[lauradj]

Most babies Kyle's age are awake for 2.5-3 hrs so your A time sounds about right.  Most babies still take a CN until 6-7 months so you could try giving him a 30-45mins CN around 4pm and that would help see him through.  It can be hard socializing with a little one but we found if we brought our pack n' play with us it allowed us to socialise but also let our kids nap when they needed to.  DH and I were quite firm on when naps had to take place and our friends and family just fit themselves in around those times so that is something you could try.  If that doesn't work for you, it sounds like your LO is pretty easy going so he'll likely just roll with whatever you want to do.   

[kyles_mum]

Hello lauradj,

Thanks so much for your reply!  Apologies on my tardy response.  That is a good idea on toting around the pack n play.  We don't use it too much at home since Kyle does not seem to enjoy hanging out in it (sheesh) but perhaps this will change when he is able to sit up on his own!

Approximately when does the transition to one nap occur?  I am just curious since I was so ill prepared for the 3:2 transition.  Kyle is sleeping like a champ now - thanks to you! (We had previously posted in the night waking section).

Grateful for what you and the other moderators do!

[lauradj]

You are most welcome!  It's always nice to hear when things improve for our parents 
My DS1 was down to 1 nap by his 1st birthday.  My second still needs his morning CN and then a 2-2.5hr nap in the afternoon and he'll be 1 in 2 weeks.  Tracy mentions 18 months as the age most babies drop to 1 nap and that's how it played out for my niece and nephew so I guess you'll just have to wait and see.  You'll likely notice NW's and EW's more frequently and when that happens you can start trying to the transition.